Prepared to the Utmost, Wearing Fashionable Attire
Ryan Oxton, a renowned homebrewing expert, often advises homebrewers on essential accessories to improve the use of conical fermenters. His recommendations, which may vary based on the specific fermenter model and brewing style, include several key components.
One of the most important accessories Ryan suggests is a Pressure Relief Valve or Spunding Valve, which allows controlled fermentation pressure buildup, enabling natural carbonation, and preventing blowouts.
Another crucial accessory is a Thermowell or Temperature Probe Port, which provides accurate fermentation temperature monitoring without opening the fermenter.
The Rotary Valve or Dump Valve is also highly recommended, as it makes it easy to remove trub and yeast sediment from the cone without disturbing the beer.
A Sample Valve or Sampling Port is essential for easy and sanitary beer sampling during fermentation.
The Racking Arm or Butterfly Valve facilitates easy beer transfer or drawing off the clear beer above the sediment.
For adding hops or other ingredients later in fermentation, Ryan recommends a Dry Hop or Additions Port.
A Fermenter Stand, providing a stable, raised stand that supports the conical fermenter at a comfortable working height, is another essential accessory.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of using quality valves and fittings, such as tri-clamp stainless steel, for durability and sanitation. He also stresses the need for proper cleaning and sanitizing of all accessories to maintain a healthy fermentation environment.
For detailed product recommendations and setup tips, Ryan Oxton's videos and articles offer guidance tailored to popular brands like FastFerment, Spike, Blichmann, and others. Ryan also uses a 2" cap on the back of the sight glass to sanitize and reattach it before removing more yeast.
In addition to these accessories, Ryan employs several advanced tools in his brewing process, such as a Glycol Chiller for cold crashing the beer and stabilizing temperatures during Wisconsin summers, a TC100 Bundle for precise temperature control, and a Carb Stone Bundle (with All-In-One PRV) to control pressure and keep oxygen out of the fermenter. He also uses a 2" Sight Glass to monitor and control the release of yeast, trub, and hops, and a 2" TC QC and Female Quick Connect Barb to move wort from a wort chiller into a fermenter from the bottom dump port.
Ryan kegs each batch he makes and uses a Closed Pressure Transfer Kit in conjunction with the gas manifold bundle to keep oxygen out of the finished beer when kegging. He also adds shorty leg extensions and an extended bracing shelf to give his fermenter height and stability, and a 2" sight glass to the bottom dump port to monitor and control the release of yeast, trub, and hops.
Ryan Oxton's passion for homebrewing extends beyond just recommending accessories. He is involved in the buyer's journey from start to finish, helping homebrewers turn their passion into a profession.
In Ryan Oxton's lifestyle, he also delves into the realms of fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and gadgets, combining technology into his personal interests. For instance, he regularly discusses stylish yet functional homebrewing equipment, garden tools with innovative features, and smart home devices to enhance his living space. Additionally, he shares his love for high-tech gadgets, such as advanced fermentation controllers and efficient wort chillers, illustrating that technology is not confined only to the digital realm but can be infused into various aspects of one's life.
